Muzzle brake



Feb. 13, 1968 J. J. SHAW 3,368,453

MUZZLE BRAKE Filed March 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1968 Filed March 24, 1966 J. J. SHAW 3,368,453

MUZZLE BRAKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR BY H gmwwm ATTORNEYS United States Pate 3,368,453 MUZZLE BRAKE John J. Shaw, 310 NE. D St., Grants Pass, Oreg.

Filed Mar. 24, 1966, Ser. No. 537,191 5 Claims. (or. 89-14) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a new and novel muzzle brake and method of making same, and more particularly to a muzzle brake which substantially reduces the ear-blast to the shooter of the associated gun.

The muzzle brake of the present invention is adapted to be mounted at the outer end of the muzzle of a gun such as a rifle and the like, and as is the case with typical devices of this type, it is specifically designed to perform a recoil absorbing function so as to substantially reduce the recoil of an associated gun. In addition, the muzzle brake of the present invention 'also serves to perform the function of dispersing and reducing the flash when a shot is fired.

A particular advantage of the present invention is the fact that it not only provides the advantageous results as discussed above, but in addition, means is provided for substantially reducing the ear-blast to the shooter or anyone else on the firing line. In the past, devices which adequately reduce the recoil and disperse and reduce the flash have not successfully reduced the earblast, and accordingly, these devices have not proved to be successful in actual practice on the firing line.

In the present invention, a very simple and relatively inexpensive construction is provided, and yet at the same time the apparatus efficiently accomplishes all of the above discussed desired end results.

The body means of the present invention is of a onepiece construction so as to enable ready manufacture thereof, a threaded portion being provided 'at the rear end thereof for mounting the body means on the muzzle of a gun. The forward end of the body means is provided with an outlet passage through which a projectile fired by the gun is adapted to pass. An expansion chamber is provided between the threaded rear end portion and the outlet passage at the forward portion of the apparatus.

-A unique feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of holes disposed peripherally about the entrance to the outlet passage, each of these holes tapering to a smaller dimension in a direction forwardly of the apparatus. The tapered configuration of these holes forms individual jets of gas which issue therefrom with greater force than would be the case if the holes were of uniform diameter throughout their length.

The gas issuing from the outer ends of the holes then impinges upon a baflie surface which is oriented in a special manner with respect to the holes. Each of the holes is formed symmetrically about longitudinal axes which form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the over-all body means so that the holes taper forwardly and outwardly from the expansion chamber, and the bafiie surface is disposed such that it is substantially perpendicular to each of the axes of the various holes. Accordingly, the baflle surface is generally frusto-conical in configuration and slopes rearwardly in an outward direc tion of the apparatus. This particular orientation of the baflfle surface is important since the gases discharged from the outer ends of the holes impinge upon the baffle surface at a right angle and there is no shear-off of the pressure.

The over-all result is to provide extra pressure, and this extra pressure in turn is used to deflect the escaping gases forwardly of the muzzle brake upon impingement upon a deflector surface which slopes forwardly and outwardly of the apparatus so as to deflect the sound waves away from the shooter.

The over-all effect is to substantially reduce the earbl'ast while providing maximum efficiency in reducing the recoil as well as dispersing the flash and sound waves.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a novel method of making the muzzle brake of the present invention wherein the relatively complex finished shape of the muzzle brake may be formed on relatively conventional machines with a minimum number of steps required so as to provide an article which may be economically manufactured.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel muzzle brake which substantially reduces the recoil of an associated gun.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a muzzle brake which also disperses and reduces the flash.

Still another object of the invention is to additionally reduce the noise to the shooter.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a muzzle brake which is relatively simple 'and inexpensive and yet which at the same time is quite eflicient and reliable in use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and novel method of making a muzzle brake whereby the article can be economically manufactured.

Other objects and many attendant advantages will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the muzzle brake of the present invention in operative position on the muzzle of an associated gun;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially 'along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 33 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIGS. 4 through 15 illustrate various steps in the method of making the muzzle brake of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the barrel of a gun is indicated by reference numeral 10, this barrel having a rifled bore 12 formed therethrough, and the muzzle of the barrel is provided with a thread 14 provided on the outer surface for receiving the muzzle brake of the present invention.

The invention device is indicated generally by reference numeral 20, and includes a generally cylindrical portion 22 having internal threads formed therein which are complementary to the threads 14 on the muzzle so that the muzzle brake may be readily mounted on or removed from the gun as desired.

The muzzle brake is of a one-piece construction and may be formed of steel or a similar rigid substance. A surface 26 flares forwardly from the threaded cylindrical portion 22 and defines an expansion chamber within the muzzle brake. The body means includes a forwardly extending generally cylindrical portion 28 having an outlet passage 30 formed therethrough. Outlet passage 30 is aligned with the bore 12 of the barrel and may be of slightly greater diameter so as to permit a bullet or the like to readily pass through the outlet passage 30.

A plurality of holes 34 are provided in the body means, each of these holes 34 being substantially symmetrical about an axis xx disposed at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the body means, and which in a typical example may define an angle of approximately therewith. As seen in FIG. 3, ten of these holes are provided, although the number may be varied as desired. Each of the holes tapers throughout its length to a smaller dimension in a direction forwardly and outwardly of the brake. It will also be noted as seen in FIG. 2 that these holes are disposed peripherally about the entrance to the outlet passage 30. The rear ends of holes 34 are disposed at the forward end of the expansion chamber, while the outer ends of holes 34 open through an outer surface 36 on the body means, this outer surface being generally frustoconical in configuration.

An annular portion 38 formed integral with portion 28 previously described extends outwardly therefrom and defines a rearward facing surface 40 which comprises a baffle surface which is spaced from and generally parallel with the surface 36 on the body means. It will be noted that this baflie surface is also generally frusto-conical and is spaced from the discharge portion of holes 34. The baffle surface 40 is also so positioned that it is substantially perpendicular to each of the axes xx of the individual holes 34.

It will be noted that surface 40 slopes rearwardly in an outwardly extending direction as seen in FIG. 2, and extends outwardly of the holes 34. It is accordingly apparent that the jets of gas issuing from the various holes 34 will impinge upon the baffle surface at substantially right angles thereto.

The body means includes an outwardly extending portion which defines a deflector surface 52. This deflector surface is generally arcuate in cross-sectional configuration as seen in FIG. 2, and joins with the surface 36 previously described. It will be noted that the deflector surface 52 slopes forwardly and outwardly of the brake and is disposed rearwardly of the baffie surface partly outwardly thereof as well as outwardly of the outer ends of the holes 34. With this arrangement, the deflector surface is adapted to receive gas which has been deflected by the bafl le surface 40, the deflector surface in turn then deflecting the gases forwardly and outwardly away from the muzzle and accordingly directing sound waves away from the shooter so as to substantially reduce the ear-blast.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-15 of the drawings, the method of making the muzzle brake of the present invention is illustrated. As seen in FIG. 4, a blank 60' formed of steel or similar suitable material is provided, this blank being preferably generally cylindrical in cross sectional configuration, and the blank may either be sawed or otherwise removed from a larger piece of material, or it may be cast if so desired.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the blank is provided with an end portion 62 of reduced diameter. This reduced diameter end portion may be made by turning the blank on a lathe or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the opposite end portion of the blank is then provided with an outer surface 64 of reduced diameter, the diameter of this end portion being slightly less than the diameter of the end portion 62, and the surface 66 is cut at a slight angle to a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brake. It will be noted that by forming the two reduced end portions 62 and 64, an annular flange portion 63 is provided at an intermediate point along the muzzle brake.

A bore 70 is formed longitudinally throughout the length of the brake. The operations illustrated as being carried out in FIG. 6 may be carried out on a turret lathe, screw machine, lathe and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a tapered surface 74 is formed on the outer right-hand portion of the brake as seen in this figure, and a cylindrical outer surface portion 76 is formed adjacent to surface 74. Here again, these operations may be carried out by a screw machine, turret lathe and the like. It should also be understood that the steps illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 need not necessarily be carried out in the sequence shown, but the sequence of these steps may be varied if so desired.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the right-hand end portion of the longitudinally extending bore 70 is enlarged by forming the cylindrical surface 80 within this end portion of the blank, surface 80 being joined with surface 70 by a connecting generally frusto-conical surface 82. The enlarged bore may be formed by drilling and turning the blank on a turret lathe or other production machinery.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flared portion is formed in the enlarged bore portion 80 by an inside forming operation on a turret or screw machine to develop the surface 84 which flares outwardly toward the central portion of the blank, the frusto-conical surface 82 being extended outwardly to intersect with surface 84.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the cylindrical bore portion 86) is provided with threads 90, the tapping being done by a turret lathe, automatic machinery, or a screw machine and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an annular groove 94 is formed in the flange, this groove sloping inwardly and to the left as seen in FIG. 11 away from the threaded end portion of the blank. A plunge cut by a turret lathe, screw machine or other special machinery is employed for forming groove 94, the groove serving to divide the flange into two separated portions 68' and 68".

Referring now to FIG. 12, the flange portion 68 is removed by a turret lathe, hand press and special fixture, the flange portion 68" remaining in the same relative position as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a plurality of tapered and straight holes are formed between the expansion chamber defined within surface 84 of the blank and the groove 94. These holes 100 are produced by a special fixture and jig on a drill press or the like. Each of holes 100 is formed substantially symmetrically about an associated axis yy which as seen in FIG. 13 defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis 1-1 of the blank. Any suitable number of holes 106 may be provided, and as described in connection with FIG. 3, ten of such holes may be formed.

It will be noted that the holes 100 as seen in FIG. 13 are not tapered for the full length thereof as are the holes 34 of FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 13, the holes may be tapered for about two-thirds of their length and then are cylindrical for the remaining portion of the length thereof. If the muzzle brake is to be employed with a regular load in any given caliber, the holes will be formed so as to be tapered throughout their length. On the other hand, if the muzzle brake is to be used with a magnum load, the holes will be tapered throughout only a portion of their length as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the flange portion 68 is rolled over toward that end portion of the blank opposite to the end portion which is threaded to provide the arcuate deflector surface hereinbefore described. This flange portion is rolled by a special set-up on a turret, engine lathe, and punch press by the use of a form die. As an alternative arrangement, this deflector flange portion 68" may be made as a separate part attached to the remaining portion of the blank by threads, by soldering or by a press fit and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the outer surface of the lefthand end portion of the blank is then cut away along a line 104 to form the arcuately shaped cutout in this end of the blank so as to reduce the size and weight of the muzzle brake, and yet at the same time to retain sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces applied thereto.

It should be understood that no specific dimensions are provided in the present description since the size of the parts will depend upon the muzzle velocity, caliber of the associated gun and the like. The relative sizes and relationships of the various parts will remain the same regardless of size.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided according to the present invention a new and novel muzzle brake which may be readily attached to the muzzle of a gun, and which does not reduce the efficiency of the operation of the gun itself. The muzzle brake substantially reduces the recoil of the associated gun, and also disperses and reduces the flash. Additionally, the brake substantially reduces the ear-blast of the shooter so that the noise level is greatly reduced. The device is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction, since various portions of the device may be cold-rolled and cut on a screw machine, thereby enabling ready manufacture of the finished device. The device is also quite eflicient and reliable in use. The present invention also provides a new and novel method of making a muzzle brake whereby the device may be produced in a most economical manner.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

l. A muzzle brake comprising a body means adapted to be mounted on a muzzle of a gun, said body means having forward and rear ends, the body means being hollow and including an outlet passage at the forward end thereof, said body means including a plurality of spaced discrete holes, a battle surface disposed forwardly of said holes so that gas issuing from said holes impinges thereon, said baffle surface sloping rearwardly in an outward direction, and a deflector surface disposed to receive gases deflected by said baffle surface, and said deflector surface sloping forwardly in an outward direction to deflect sound waves forwardly of the muzzle brake, said body means being of a one-piece construction, said plurality of holes being disposed about said outlet passage and tapering to a smaller dimension in a forward and outward direction, said baffle surface being spaced from the forward portion of said holes, said deflector surface being disposed outwardly of the forward ends of said holes.

2. A muzzle brake comprising a body means adapted to be mounted on a muzzle of a gun, said body means having forward and rear ends, the body means being hollow and including an outlet passage at the forward end thereof, said body means including a plurality of holes, a baffle surface disposed forwardly of said holes so that gas issuing from said holes impinges thereon, said baflle surface sloping rearwardly in an outward direction, and a deflector surface disposed to receive gases deflected by said baflle surface, and said deflector surface sloping forwardly in an outward direction to deflect sound waves forwardly of the muzzle brake, said body means being of a one-piece construction, said plurality of holes being disposed about said outlet passage and tapering to a smaller dimension in a forward direction, said baffle surface being spaced from the forward portion of said holes, said deflector surface being disposed outwardly of the forward ends of said holes, said body means being formed symmetrically about a longitudinal axis, said body means defining an expansion chamber therewithin, said outlet passage being disposed forwardly of said expansion chamher and in communication therewith, said plurality of tapered holes being disposed at the forward end of said expansion chamber and about the entrance to said outlet passage, each of said tapered holes being formed symmetrically about an axis extending centrally through an associated hole, said baflle surface being of generally frusto-conical configuration and being disposed substantially perpendicular to the axes of said holes.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 including means for supporting said body means on the muzzle of a gun, said expansion chamber flaring to a larger dimension in a direction toward the forward end of said body means, the axes about which said tapered holes are symmetrical each being disposed at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of said body means, said deflector surface being disposed rearwardly of said baffle surface.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said deflector surface is generally arcuate in cross sectional configuration.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein each of said holes opens through an outer surface of said 'body means, said bafile surface being disposed in spaced parallel relationship to said outer surface, said deflector surface extending outwardly of said outer surface and joining therewith.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,184,595 12/1939 Hughes 89l4 2,212,685 8/1940 Hughes 89-14 FOREIGN PATENTS 233,709 1/1926 Great Britain.

BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

SAMUEL FEINBERG, Examiner.

S. C. BENTLEY, Assistant Examiner. 

